LocationThe Kapa Kapa Trail spans from Kapa Kapa (Gabagaba) on the south coast of New
Guinea in Central Province across the Owen Stanley Range to the north coast of New Guinea in Oro Province. Kapa Kapa Trail runs roughly parallel and thirty miles southeast of the Kokoda
Trail. Also known as the "Kapa Kapa -
Jaure Track". An alternate route from Abau - Namudi - Jaure was
considered but never used during the war.

Wartime History
During October to November 1942, the U.S. Army 32nd 32nd Infantry Division, 126th Infantry Regiment made arduous trek across the Kapa Kapa Trail to get to the north coast of New Guinea. Simultaneously, an Australian
Army Infantry Brigade departed Milne Bay traveling along the north coast to Wanigela, then across Cape
Nelson to Embogo to stage for the assault against the Japanese beachhead at Buna-Gona-Sanananda. While crossing, the Kapa Kapa Trail was rendered useless by the development of several airfields on the northern coast that allowed troops and supplies to be air lifted to the forward area.

NepeanaLocated 14 miles from Kapa Kapa. During 1942, this village marked the end of a rough road. During early October 1942, E Company, 126th
Infantry Regiment were based here. US Army troops crossing the Kapa Kapa Trail reached here on the first day. General Harding visited Nepeana
to see the troops off and ordered their packs lightened and less ammunition to be carried.

AraparaVillage along the Kapa Kapa Trail. Located roughly 30 miles inland from Kapa Kapa, roughly four days march inland, halfwat to Laruni.

During early October 1942, US Army Major Baetcke was tasked with building a forward supply base at Arapara, the most forward location that supplies could be carried.

Four days after departing Kapa Kapa, soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Division, 126th Infantry Regiment began arriving at Arapara, where their native carriers deserted them, leaving
the Americans to carry their own gear.

Mount Suwemalla "Ghost Mountain"A few days march out of Laruni, 2,000' higher than the gap, more difficult
country than the Kokoda Trail, US Army Captain Schultz reported how
narrow the trail was "Even a jack rabbit couldn't leave it." forcing
troops to march single file.

Jaure (Taure, Iaure)
Village located at the headwaters
of the Kumusi River, the trail splits into two trails: one towards Waropi and the other east
towards Buna.